Drug Crimes

Alpharetta Drug Crimes Defense Attorney

Comprehensive Defense for Drug Crimes in Sandy Springs, Johns Creek, Fulton County & Forsyth County

The police arrested you, and the prosecutor charged you with a drug-related crime. Surprisingly, you're not alone. Statistically, most people use (or at least try to use) a recreational drug at some point. Some who do this get caught. Others don't.

We won't kid you. Any drug-related arrest in Georgia is severe, whether you're caught with pot in your car or busted trying to distribute narcotics. One conviction—even on a single charge for drug possession of marijuana—can devastate your freedom and future. Now is not the time to take risks.

Are you facing a drug charge in Georgia? Call Brian Hansford Law today at (678) 647-6444 or contact us online to schedule a meeting with our drug crimes lawyer in Alpharetta!

Understanding Georgia's Drug Schedule Classification

Drugs are broken up into 'Schedules' and include the following:

Schedule I: the most dangerous of drugs, including ecstasy, mushrooms, heroin, etc.
Schedule II: drugs that may be used for medical purposes, requiring a prescription, including opium, Codeine, cocaine, etc.
Schedule III: includes steroid drugs.
Schedule IV: includes Xanax and Valium.
Schedule V: must be prescribed and are commonly abused.

In addition to our Cumming office, we have a new location in Roswell in the Gilbert House at 38 Sloan Street which is available by appointment.

Types of Drug Crime Cases We Defend

At Brian Hansford Law, our commitment to excellence means we pursue every available legal way of protecting your freedom. As your representative, we will examine the evidence and how investigators collected it. If your rights were violated in any way, we would find out about it.

We defend people who are accused of the following drug crimes in the state of Georgia:

Possession of an illegal substance
Possession with intent to distribute
Smuggling drugs, narcotics, or controlled substances across state or international lines
Growing, cultivating, or manufacturing illegal substances
Gun or firearm arrests related to drug crimes

What are the Penalties for Drug Crimes in Georgia?

In Georgia, the penalties for drug crimes can be severe and depend on the offense committed. Here are the penalties for some common drug-related offenses:

Possession of an illegal substance: In Georgia, possessing a controlled substance is a felony offense. The penalty depends on the type of drug involved and the amount in possession. For example, possessing less than one ounce of marijuana is a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. Possession of cocaine, heroin, or methamphetamine is a felony offense and can result in a prison sentence of up to 15 years.
Possession with intent to distribute: Possession with intent to distribute is a more serious offense than simple possession. The penalty depends on the type and amount of drugs involved and any prior convictions. For example, possession with intent to distribute less than an ounce of marijuana is a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. Possession with intent to distribute cocaine, heroin, or methamphetamine is a felony offense and can result in a prison sentence of up to 30 years.
Smuggling drugs, narcotics, or controlled substances across state or international lines: This offense is a federal crime and can result in significant penalties, including a sentence of up to life in prison and a fine of up to $10 million.
Growing, cultivating, or manufacturing illegal substances: The penalty for growing or manufacturing drugs in Georgia varies depending on the type and amount of drugs involved. For example, growing fewer than ten marijuana plants is a felony offense and can result in a prison sentence of up to 10 years.
Gun or firearm arrests related to drug crimes: In Georgia, it is illegal for a person who has been convicted of a felony drug offense to possess a firearm. This offense is a felony and can result in a prison sentence of up to 10 years.

It's important to note that these penalties are subject to change and may be influenced by other factors such as prior criminal history and the judge's discretion. It's also worth noting that drug crimes in Georgia can have long-term consequences beyond legal penalties, such as difficulty finding employment and housing.

What Makes a Drug Charge a Federal Offense?

Basic possession may be kept at the state level, while offenses such as drug trafficking, manufacturing, or intent to distribute are more likely to be charged at a federal level. Any criminal acts that suggest that the individuals may be performing a severe criminal business and making substantial earnings will deal with federal charges.

Contact Our Alpharetta Drug Crimes Lawyer Today

People convicted of narcotics-related crimes in Georgia are often subject to mandatory sentencing. This means lengthy prison sentences, fines, and the loss of other personal rights for any drug-related conviction.

Attorney Hansford believes you should be able to make things right after your arrest. Whether you go into an alternative treatment program or we aim to get the drug charges dismissed, we can work relentlessly to help minimize the impact a drug-related arrest has on your life. Sometimes, our drug crime lawyer in Alpharetta can even have the drug charges expunged from your criminal record.

Contact Brian Hansford Law today to schedule a FREE consultation with our drug crimes attorney in Alpharetta!

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Schedule a Free Consultation

You deserve an advocate who will fight aggressively to protect your rights. Attorney Brian Hansford has decades of experience working in the criminal justice system. We understand that being accused of a crime does not make you a criminal. We are prepared to do everything possible to raise doubts about allegations made by the prosecution. Get an aggressive advocate to protect your future. Call now and get started.

What Sets Us Apart

4 Reasons that Make Us the Right Choice

First Class Representation
At Brian Hansford Law, you get a defense team that will give you their undivided attention to your case. We take the time to understand your situation and meticulously prepare your case in an effort to achieve the best possible result.
Former Prosecutor
Having been a former prosecutor, Brian Hansford understands both sides of the criminal justice system. This experience helps him design an effective defense for his clients.

Fierce Trial Attorney
Many attorneys are afraid to go to trial - NOT US! We aggressively prepare every case as if it will go to trial.
25 Years of Experience
There's no substitution for experience. With 25 years of practicing law, our team has handled all kinds of charges from misdemeanors to some of the most complex and serious crimes.

Client Reviews

Don't Take Our Word For It

At Brian Hansford Law, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.

"Professional and maintained a line of communication throughout my case"
Brian was very knowledgeable in his area of expertise. He was professional and maintained a line of communication throughout my case. I appreciated his attitude and approach. I would recommend him to anyone who needs an attorney that will work hard for your best interest. Thanks so much!

- Jason
"They even got back to me on weekends."
Brian and Erin are amazing! They are caring and always there for you. I bombarded them with questions and they had an answer for me every time. Even got back to me on weekends, which I never expected. If I have another need I will use them and their office again.

- Previous Client
"Forever grateful to this attorney and would hire him again in a split second"
My case was a tough and stressful one that Mr. Hansford completely guided me through with the greatest of ease handling everything for me so I could focus on my everyday life instead of stressing nonstop. He had charges dropped for me and the one I did end up getting stuck with, he got me the bare minimum on. I am forever grateful to this attorney and would hire him again in a split second!!! He was amazing!!!

- Jessica
"Kept us informed every step of the way."
I was frantic trying to find an attorney, and me being out of state, it was proving to be difficult for the situation at hand. I reached out to the firm on a Sunday evening and received a response that night, as well as a follow-up the next day to confirm the details of the case. By the end of the week, and after speaking to multiple firms, I chose Mr. Hansford. Mr. Hansford, and his assistant Ms. Bell, were beyond helpful in our situation. They were very accessible and returned emails/calls ASAP. They kept us informed every step of the way and answered all questions in a thoughtful, and timely, manner. I highly recommend this firm for your legal issues. Best part is, we avoided even having to make a trip to GA thanks to Mr. Hansford and Ms. Bell.

- Brandy
"Had the Pleasure of Working With Brian Hansford"
My husband Milton and I had the pleasure of working with Brian Hansford for my husband's traffic case that was unique since it was also tied to his immigration status.

- Sarah M.
"We were able to get my charges dropped."
Brian was clear and concise with me and set my expectations appropriately. I switched to Brian from a Cobb County based lawyer after realizing that his comfort with the Forsyth prosecutors and judicial team was essential to a successful defense strategy. Under his team's guidance, we were able to get my charges dropped--which exceeded my expectations.

- Shawn
"I always felt like I knew exactly where my case stood."
I sought Brian's help for a DUI charge. Even though I was a first offender with no prior arrests, I faced some serious charges due to the circumstances of my offense. Brian counseled me on the steps to take before my court appearance in order to make my case as strong as possible. He was also able to get my most serious charge dismissed, which enabled me to obtain a limited driving permit for work, child's transportation to school, etc. Brian's office also provided information that allowed me to complete much of my sentence before my plea, including DUI school, substance abuse assessment, and all of my community service. The sentence resulting from my plea agreement was the best I could have hoped for, given the circumstances. Brian and his assistant Erin Bell kept me updated throughout the progress of my case and responded quickly to all of my questions. I always felt like I knew exactly where my case stood, and what to expect next. Since my arrest, I have spoken with others charged with DUI who have been amazed by the assistance I received from my attorney. Many told me that they had trouble contacting their attorneys, or scheduling appointments, and some received harsher sentences. I feel extremely fortunate to have had Brian and Erin on my side throughout this process. Brian's services may be more expensive than that of some others, but he is definitely worth it. I greatly appreciate his help during this difficult time.

- Previous Client
"Intelligent, dedicated, and wise."
Brian Hansford has represented several of my immediate family members over the past five years, multiple times. He is intelligent, dedicated, and wise. Brian has always been very thorough and fully committed to bringing about the best outcome possible in each of these cases. So much so that I don't even consider another criminal defense attorney for my family's needs. He explains your options very carefully and gives you his assessment of how each scenario is likely to play out. Brian is also a judge for a local municipality which gives him another perspective when considering strategies for a case. His legal assistant Erin is absolutely top-notch and keeps communications flowing smoothly between all of the parties involved. She is truly a valuable asset to his operations and I cannot overemphasize her importance. I truly could not be more pleased with both Brian and Erin. I enthusiastically give Brian an A+ for his efforts and for his solid results. Brian is not a discount-priced attorney, but he is also not unreasonable with his rates. I am happy to pay him because I know what I am getting. This attorney is a solid choice! I thank him for all he has done for my family!

- Jason

Let's Fight Your Charge

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